Sunday, April 4, 2010

Gary Kirsten had said that during IPL II, there was a breakdown in communication between the Indian team management and the players. This time, however, the Team India coach is happy with the communication system.

"We have regular communication from teams and we are updated about the players' fitness," Kirsten told DNA from Cape Town on Wednesday. At this stage, the coach has no worries. The BCCI has asked each franchise to submit daily fitness updates.

Sitting in South Africa, Kirsten has been following the players closely, particularly those selected for the World Twenty20.

"I will come to India soon. I want to watch the IPL for a couple of weeks before flying to the West Indies." The Indian team leaves for the Caribbean soon after the IPL.

Kirsten is happy that the BCCI has extended the contract of Eric Simons. The bowling coach was roped in only for the series against South Africa in February. Now he has been asked to stay on till the World Twenty20 and he may even be retained till the 2011 World Cup.

"He has been very helpful for the bowlers. His inputs have been very positive," Kirsten said.

Simons expressed satisfaction with the Board's decision. The South African, currently coaching the Delhi Daredevils, said he is happy with the development. "We have started some work and it is a process. As I had said earlier, just one month was not enough to produce results and I'm happy that the BCCI has given me an extension."

Meanwhile, the BCCI has appointed Ranjib Biswal, a former national selector, as the manager for Team India for the World T20 beginning next month.